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“Let me think about it while we enjoy a few more glasses of wine,” I tell her. It’s not like I have much of a choice. Mom is expecting me to produce a live, breathing, tall, and dark professor for Christmas dinner. “You know, Jayne, Mom wouldn’t be stressing me like this… if…” I pause because my words get caught in my throat.
“I wish my uncle was still here,” Jayne says what’s been heavy on my heart and mind.
Thinking of my father makes me go still inside. I’m so lost without him. He was a big part of me, and now that part is missing.
“She doesn’t understand how much of a burden she puts on me every time she demands I find someone like him as if men molded from greatness are sitting on every corner in Atlanta.”
“Well, we both know that ain’t true,” Jayne says and lets out a cynical chuckle before she takes another sip of her drink.
“Right, this is not easy.”
“Tell me about it, Astalia. Men like Uncle James are rare. He was rough on me when I was growing up, but it was because he knew I was doing some things I shouldn’t be doing, and he wanted the best for me. It’s a blessing to have people in your life that genuinely care about you and are willing to get down and dirty with you if they think you’re messing up. I love and miss him every day for being hard on me when I needed it.”
“Yeah, we both know he doesn’t play…” I pause, realizing I’ve just spoken of him in the present tense. “I mean, didn’t…” I suddenly feel weak. One tear drops, then another, then so many that I lose count. The next thing I know, I’m wrapped up in Jayne’s arms, and we’re both ugly crying.
“I looked up to him like he was my own father, so I know it’s hard with him being your real dad.”
“It’s very hard, Jayne. So hard.”
“He wanted what was best for us. He was the one that would be there if we needed anything. If he were here right now, he would tell you that you don’t need a man, and then he would tell Aunt Sky to leave you alone and let you find a man when you’re ready.”
I smile at Jayne, happy she has reminded me of the essence of my father. “That’s why I miss him so much,” I say as we pull apart. “He was the sensible one.”
“Well, you know they say God has a sense of humor, so he left you with Aunt Sky, who is a pistol. So, now that we’ve gotten the crying out the way, you have ten days to find a very distinctive looking man who is willing to pretend you’ve been with him for four months. What in the hell are you going to do? Because she’s going to be on your ass like hot grits if you don’t come through.” Jayne grabs her wine glass and sits back on the couch.
“I know. I know.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
I roll my eyes and exhale a deep sigh. I really have no choice as to what my next move is going to be. “I guess I’m going speed dating.?
?
“That’s my girl. Now, go put on something that says ‘fuck me, spoil me, wife me,’ and let’s go find us a man.”
“Us? You never told me about what you were referring to as your little situation. Are you dating someone?”
“Girl, it’s really nothing to it. Just some guy I met, and we started hanging out, but I want more. Everybody in town knows he’s a playboy, but when he comes over to my house, all he wants to do is play video games, talk about work and where he wants to travel, and eat. At the end of the night, he hugs me, and he’s out. His hug is long, lingering and leaves me wanting to jump into his arms and make him stay. But when I come on to him, he just pulls away from me even more. To say I don’t understand him is an understatement.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Three months—too long for a woman who has needs. He makes me hate I told him I like to play video games. There’s nothing wrong with a little gaming, but I am a woman who needs attention in other areas too.”
“Well, three months is not a long time for two people to get to know each other, Jayne. That he’s taking his time getting to know you is actually a good thing.”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “Hell no. Three months feels like an eternity. An actual good thing would be for him to give me what I want, and that’s hot, sweaty, and sticky, toe-curling, all-night-long sex.”
“It’s not about jumping each other’s bones all the time. You say he is known as a playboy, so maybe he’s done enough playing, and he’s trying to see what’s real.”
“First of all, sex is real.”
I laugh. “Okay. You’re right about that.”
“Second, he does text me throughout the day to check on me. He always sends a good morning text and a good night text. But—”
“Maybe he needs time to feel you out. I don’t know if anyone has ever told you this, but you’re a lot to handle, Jayne.”
“I know this, and I don’t apologize for it.”
